Kehlani has more than 3.5 million Instagram followers. She is of black, Native American, Spanish, white and Filipino descent. Her mother was a drug addict. Kehlani was raised by her aunt. Her father (who was also a drug addict) passed away when she was an infant. She began her career as a member of group PopLyfe. Kehlani later left the group to pursue her solo career.

Kehlani has been nominated for a Grammy award. She was in a relationship with Kyrie Irving and musician PartyNextDoor. Kehlani attempted suicide after a misunderstanding regarding her relationship with Irving.